About the Schizophrenia Research Fund
The Schizophrenia Research Fund (SRF) is an independent registered charity which aims to advance the understanding of all forms of mental ill health, and in particular for the illness known as schizophrenia.
Foundation
The Schizophrenia Research Fund (SRF) was established in 1962. Following the death of the Hon. Mrs. Miriam Lane in March 2006, it has also been known as The Miriam Rothschild Schizophrenia Research Fund.
Partnership
In April 2014, the Fund linked with Mental Health Research UK (a charity with similar objectives to the SRF) to form a stronger, more sustainable organisation, able to fund more research. Mental Health Research UK now carries out all of the administration for both charities. Following the linking we would ask all donors to send their donations to Mental Health Research UK, where they will be used to fund research into schizophrenia.
Research
Since linking with Mental Health Research UK in 2014, and in recognition of the relative lack of funding for research, the Schizophrenia Research Fund has focused on funding research into schizophrenia.
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a severe, long-term mental health condition. Its symptoms are highly variable, and it is related to other diagnoses including schizoaffective disorder and psychosis.
Who is affected by Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia can affect anyone, although it usually has an onset in late adolescence or early adulthood. People are rarely given the diagnosis of schizophrenia before they have had symptoms for at least 6 months, in part because it is highly stigmatised.
How are people affected?
In about two-thirds of instances, individuals have intermittent but long-term mental health problems, including difficulties with cognition, and may struggle with aspects of everyday life such as relationships and employment. The core symptoms of schizophrenia include delusions and hallucinations, lack of motivation, reduction in spontaneous speech, and social withdrawal. People living with schizophrenia and their families experience additional difficulties because our lack of treatments and poor understanding as a society tends to lead to discrimination and stigma.
Treatments for Schizophrenia
At present, treatment options mainly consist of antipsychotic drugs combined with psychological therapies, social support, and rehabilitation. There is a pressing need for more research to better understand the underlying causes of schizophrenia, and to develop new, more effective, and acceptable treatments.
Sources of help
The Schizophrenia Research Fund funds research into the condition, and does not provide direct support to sufferers or their families. If you, or someone you know, needs help, or you are interested to learn more about schizophrenia, please see the NHS website or this Help Guide.
